Installing a Factory Winch on the 2024 Jeep Wrangler Wasn't as Easy as You Think

In 2024, the Jeep Wrangler was updated with off-road features and technology, including a popular feature that fans love. The new Wrangler does not come with a factory snorkel. The Jeep Wrangler Rubicon will be the first production vehicle to have a custom Warn winch on the jeep front bumper.

What Is a Winch?

A winch is a mechanical tool that moves objects by winding a steel or synthetic rope or cable around a revolving drum. Off-road vehicles can use a hydraulic system, engine (by power takeoff), or battery to operate their winches.

In an electric winch, the wire is reeled in by a motor spinning the drum using planetary gear reduction. The winch pulls stuck vehicles out of mud, snow, or other dangerous situations. It works by attaching a rope to a fixed object, such as a tree or truck. A portable remote that controls the drum's motion is commonly used to operate the winch.

Heavy objects have been moved throughout history using winches. Their presence in the automotive industry has grown during the past century. Lots of companies sell winches for vehicles, trucks, and SUVs. They can lift from a few hundred pounds to over ten tons. These are the kinds of equipment enthusiasts frequently install in their cars to move stuff like fallen trees or boulders or even dig themselves out of a jam.

Adding a Jeep Winch Isn't Easy

Custom fabrication and the purchase of aftermarket bumpers and hardware are frequently needed to attach a winch to a car. Certain automakers like Jeep started adding so-called "winch-capable" bumpers to their vehicles. Winch-capable bumpers are made to readily take a variety of winches and the necessary mounting gear, even if they do not come with winches installed.

The factory winch party started with something other than Jeeps. In truth, a 12,000-pound Warn winch installed inside the bumper was an option for the 2005 Dodge Ram 2500 Power Wagon and subsequent Ram 2500 Power Wagon models.

Ford and Ram Have Had Winches for Years

Ford improved their winch competition by adding a 12,000-pound Warn winch to the 2020 F-Series Super Duty trucks. This upgrade was part of the Tremor Off-Road package. The 2022 Ford Bronco Everglades received a heavy Warn winch on its front bumper. This model is a four-door Black Diamond with the Sasquatch off-road package and Mid package trim elements.

The Warn Zeon winch was developed for use with Ford vehicles. The Bronco underwent crash testing in relation to the winch. The first SUV with a winch built-in was the Ford Bronco Everglades.

Since 1986, Jeep Wranglers have been exploring the highways and trails. Wrangler changed its headlight shape, wheelbase, and added a four-door option. It also had different trim levels and powertrains during that period.

Fans can look at Mopar and Jeep catalogs for winches and accessories for their Jeep. But until now, the front bumper's incorporation of that crucial recovery tool has never been a factory option. Why?

Why Wait Until Now to Add the Factory Quality Winch?

We haven't heard back about that question yet, but the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon's Warn winch was planned, not added later. Firstly, the exact Warn winch found on the new Wrangler is unavailable for purchase.

The Warn Zeon 8-S seems to be the inspiration for this 8,000-pound winch, but Jeep made it specifically for the Wrangler.

The Warn winch has a smaller drum that holds 90 feet of synthetic rope. It is made for Jeeps and has a fair to secure the winch hook on the driver side of the vehicle. Different from the Warn Zeon 8-S, which can hold 100 feet of rope. Additionally, we were informed that "automotive grade grease" is used inside the winch casing.

Winch Means Extra Weight

To attach a heavy winch to a Jeep's bumper, you need to make suspension changes. The new Wrangler's springs and shocks can handle the extra weight of a winch system weighing around 100 pounds. The new Wrangler grille was designed to have more space at the front. They did this to improve airflow over the radiator.

The Hidden Challenges of the Jeep's New Winch

Easier for customers to install a winch on their Jeeps now because testing for crashes has improved. This is why Jeep had to wait until now to make it simpler for customers. When changing a car, consider safety, added weight, pedestrians, laws, and other important factors.

This is particularly true when the modification entails adding strength to the bumper, which is frequently the initial contact area. Obtaining the necessary qualifications takes time and money; these modifications are complex.

Jeep recently started offering the Warn winch as a factory option on the Wrangler Rubicon. The Wrangler Rubicon has been available since 2003. It took Jeep a long time to make the Warn winch available as a factory option.

Did Bronco Influence Jeep?

The competition in the off-road SUV market gave it a shove. An intriguing coincidence that Ford added a comparable option to the 2022 Bronco Everglades just after this winch. We are pleased to see a factory option that enhances the Wrangler's off-road capabilities. This option is definitely one of the best.